Security Quest #9 – OSX.RSPlug.A Brings Macs Mainstream

There was news last week of a piece of malware targeting OS X. It’s called OSX.RSPlug.A (a.k.a. DNSChanger) and it’s a trojan distributed through porn sites (no puns). A lot was made of the fact that this *could* redirect browsers to malicious websites, such as phishing sites.

The only real news here was that OS X was specifically targeted by a malware writer. It didn’t exploit any deficiency in OS X security. The only way to get the malware to install was to convince the user that they wanted to install the software. Intego and other security software vendors are promoting the fact that they can detect the trojan.

Let’s look at what’s involved to infect a Mac with this bug. You had to:

Visit a website, in this case a porn site, and be enticed into downloading a file. In this case it was said to be a codec needed to view some videos.

After downloading the DMG file you had to open it and run the installer.

When the installer ran you’d be prompted for your password which you’d have to enter.

Then the software would install.

So the only security hole was between the keyboard and the chair, not in the software.

The first rule of PC (personal computer, including Macs) should always be only install software from trusted sources. This wasn’t a drive-by install where the user visited a website and it automatically installed. On the other hand, there are people who say they visit websites in bad neighborhoods with Macs since it’s safe and secure. This does show that Macs are beginning to be targeted so that is probably not a good attitude. As much care needs to be taken on Macs as on Windows machines.

One of the things that make Macs a less than perfect choice for visiting bad neighborhoods is that Safari has “Open Safe Files after downloading” enabled by default. It’s a poorly named option and should be turned off. Safari doesn’t determine safety. What it really means is that it will open files which don’t automatically execute anything when all system are working. This includes DMG and PDF files which have recently carried malware. If a vulnerability was found that enabled auto execution this default setting could be deadly. If nothing else, the name gives a false sense of security since it sounds like OS X can determine if the file is safe or not. This is set under Safari preferences, on the general tab. Click the thumbnail at the beginning of this paragraph to see the setting. The screen shot shows the Safari defaults.

If you want to visit bad neighborhoods or want an extra level of protection there is software available to help protect your Mac.

ClamXAV is an free (donationware) virus checker for OS X that’s built on the open source ClamAV anti-virus engine. The software allows certain directories to be watched and all file changes in those directories will be scanned. Scans can also be scheduled. There isn’t any real-time scanning, other than the watch directories feature. I used ClamXAV under Tiger but there are currently Leopard issues so I haven’t re-installed it since upgrading. These issues appear related to scheduling an other non-detection related features.

Intego has a full menu of security products. They are clearly the market leader in OS X security software. When I switched from Windows I naturally wanted anti-virus software so I purchased an earlier version of their anti-virus software. While I never came across any viruses for it to detect the software seemed fine. My main complaint is I feel they’re expensive. Be aware that their products that include definition updates may have just a one year subscription. I stopped using them when my subscription ran out and I didn’t feel the upgrade cost was justified for me. They also promoted paid upgrades through the same update engine that pulled down virus definition updates but didn’t identify them as paid until the update was selected, which was annoying. Intego has stated all their products are Leopard compatible. Trial versions are available.MacScan by SecureMac is AntiSpyware program for OS X that is currently Leopard compatible. This is a traditional anti-spyware program that scans the Mac on demand or on a schedule. Detection ranges from tracking cookies to key loggers. A thirty day demo is available. I downloaded and ran the demo today. I’ll have more info when I’ve run it awhile but it’s a fairly simple interface as is shown by the thumbnail at the beginning of this paragraph (click to see full screen). The 41 pieces of spyware detected in the scan where all tracking cookies from websites and web ads. When spyware is detected you have the option of picking and choosing which you want “isolated” in MacScan terms. Despite the term, tracking cookies are just deleted.

Both McAfee and Symantec have security software for the Mac. Neither seems to have particularly good reviews available. The Symantec software can be viewed here (select Macintosh Products from the drop down list). McAfee information is here. Neither Symantec or McAfee products appear Leopard ready.

ClamXav and MacScan appeal to me because they are non-intrusive on the system. They are also the lowest cost solutions. I’ll probably stick with ClamXav.

The Intego, McAfee and Symantec products all cause me the same concern – that they’re too intrusive on the system and aren’t worth the performance cost. But if I knew I’d be going into bad neighborhoods I’d give Intego a try. At least they’re dedicated to the Mac platform. Just beware of feature bloat intended to justify their existence and upgrades.

I’m a believer that computer habits are better prevention than software. If your switching from Windows and used anti-virus, or have been using a paid virus scanner on the Mac ask yourself how many viruses were detected by the software you used.

Software News

CCleaner – Home – CCleaner is a freeware privacy tool and has recently been updated to version 2.02.525.